Townsend
short-term rental taxes.
Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Townsend, Tennessee. Check the current requirements for your exact address.
What you need to do in Townsend
From the linked source- To confirmCheck that short-term rentals are allowed at your address
The record has no finding on whether Townsend allows short-term rentals. Ask the planning or zoning office before you list.
- To confirmCheck whether you need a license or permit
The record does not say whether Townsend requires a short-term rental license. Ask the city or county licensing office.
- To doWho collects the 3% Townsend occupancy tax depends on the booking channel
Airbnb: collects it for you; Vrbo: not confirmed; Booking.com: not confirmed; Direct: you collect and remit. Where a channel's answer is not confirmed, check its tax settings.
- To confirmFind out how often you file and when returns are due
The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.
Get reminders for your Townsend filing dates
Save your rental and its filing dates for free. Starter and Pro email you before each saved date, and when a published rule change for Townsend affects your rental.
Create a free accountWhat to know.
The published guide for Townsend lists 3% local occupancy tax. The state table lists a 7% Tennessee state sales tax in addition. Local sales and occupancy taxes may apply in addition to the state base rate. License or registration details are not available.
At a glance.
- Local tax
- 3%
- State tax
- 7%
- Total for a direct booking
- 10%
- License
- Not available
- Local filing
- By booking channel
See the detailed rental report
See recorded licensing details, source records and a tax estimate. Save your rental to keep reports and documents together.
Tax details
Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.
Townsend: Recorded remittance instructions
HIGH PRIORITY Smokies STR market: 3% HM tax passed 1st reading 8/19/2025 (3-2); 2nd reading 9/16/2025 outcome unverified - confirm adoption/effective date; tax explicitly covers cabins/Airbnb/campgrounds; Blount Co 5% applies
Platform tax collection guidance for Townsend
Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.
Your next steps
Find permit information
Permit requirements are not available in this guide. The linked authority provides application information.
Collection of the 3% local tax
Follow the channel breakdown above; you collect and remit tax on direct bookings.
File your tax returns
Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.
Check the state tax requirements
Use the linked state tax instructions to register and file.
Sources & confidence
How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page
Townsend STR tax FAQ
Does Airbnb pay my Townsend occupancy taxes?
Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.
Do I need a license to Airbnb in Townsend?
The licensing requirement for Townsend is not available. Check state and local license or registration rules before listing.
What happens if I don't file?
Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.
How often do I file?
Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.
Ready to save your rental?
Open this location's detailed report and save your rental in one place.